It is with grave concern that I wish to address a matter that has been bothering me. This relates to the traffic volumes and flow of traffic in Paarl.
Travelling along many of the well-maintained roads in the village, you cannot ignore the pedestrians using and crossing the roads. This makes navigating such roads like trying to complete an obstacle course. Main Road has become problematic due to the coffee spots and watering holes that have sprung up.
Sometimes the roads in Paarl resemble something from India. The only difference is that the cars driven in the village are big luxury vehicles, and not small economical vehicles made for bustling traffic. The fatalities are therefore usually more when a tank hits a Tata. Add to that the traffic congestion around Paarl’s schools.
There’s also the use of shopping trolleys on roads to transport the day’s catch for the homeless. Add to that the taxis, which are a law unto themselves, never being brought to book. Then there’s the 1,5 rule that applies to the “bergfietse,” some that think they are Kings of the Road and take up half of the road. Furthermore, the aged who still drive and think they still drive well. Paarl’s being a geriatric friendly sanctuary catering for the “80 to 110 Clubbers” provides an opportunity to drive around “independently” in the village.
Don’t forget the drag racers and bikers who have an inferiority complex and need to be heard, usually between midnight and dawn. The “60/60” motorbikes racing around on their Chinese Chariots of Fire saving the village from starvation and extinction. Just watching them makes one nervous, as they chase the 60 minutes.
Hopefully we can create a safe space for everyone. May traffic officials be more vigilant and visible (the handful on “duty”), instead of making their first priority the moving of speed cameras from one hidden place to the other.
May we drive responsibly, and not speed, be courteous, tolerant and display good citizenship on the roads. May the taxi drivers who break road rules be brought to book.
May we all be on the road again. Sunshine, braaivleis, rugby, Interschools and safe travels. Arrive Alive! You are all loved.
